Charles Woodson was the 2009 defensive player of the year for the Packers. / Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers released defensive back Charles Woodson on Friday afternoon, ending the three-time all pro's seven-year tenure with the team.

"He still has the bug (to play) and wants to win another Super Bowl before he calls it quits," Woodson's agent, Carl Poston, told USA TODAY Sports in a voice message.

"Obviously, we're going to be looking at some contenders with that in mind."

GM Ted Thompson signed Woodson as a free agent in 2006.

"We are grateful for all that Charles has given to the Green Bay Packers over the past seven years," Thompson said in a statement.

"He has been an integral part of the Packers' success, and our Super Bowl title in 2010 would not have been possible without his contributions. A once-in-a-generation talent as a player, he is also a great leader and ambassador for the organization off the field. Charles will always be a member of the Packers family, and we look forward to his eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We wish him and his family all the best."

Woodson's winery, @TwentyFourWines, posted a picture on Twitter of Woodson in his Packers uniform with the caption, "Thank you Green Bay. It was a great run!"

Poston, who didn't talk to the Packers brain trust, wasn't aware of Green Bay offering Woodson a reduced salary to remain with the team in 2013. Woodson was due a base salary of $6.5 million next season, with a $3.5 million roster bonus. His cap number for 2013 was pegged at $9,437,500.

Woodson was the NFL's second-oldest defensive back last season after Ronde Barber of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Woodson watched the second half of the Super Bowl XLV victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers from the sideline after breaking his collarbone. Cameras caught Woodson grimacing as he tried to raise his hand to celebrate after a play late in the game.

Though Woodson wasn't on the field, his impact was felt for those final two quarters. His Packers teammates said he delivered an emotional speech at halftime that inspired the team's second-half performance.

Releasing the 36-year-old gives Green Bay $10 million in salary cap space. Woodson, the 2009 defensive player of the year while still at cornerback, moved to safety last season but sustained a broken collarbone that kept him out of the final nine games of the regular season. He returned for the playoffs.